Shozi refuses to be a one-trick pony

It’s hard to miss newcomer Nomalanga Shozi in a room full of people, mainly because of her head-turning hairdo.
The fresh-faced new All Access presenter has been making her mark with her signature voluminous ‘fro that matches her larger-than-life personality.

“I just love hair. Hair is very important to me. I think I was drawn to this hairstyle because of the type of person I am. It complements my personality very well,” Shozi points out.

“But, also, I’m new in the industry. You sort of want something that is going to make you pop or stand out – something to differentiate you from many others. Of course, your talent should also do that.”

The 22-year-old hosts the latest season of the Mzansi Magic variety show alongside Thato Molamu, who stars in Greed and Desire, and Big Brother Mzansi alumni Mbali Nkosi.

“This is long overdue. I have been working at breaking into the industry; for me it seems it’s been for my entire adult life,” Shozi says.

Shozi first got our attention earlier this year when she joined Rhythm City in a short-lived acting stint after sifting through 5000 online entries to win the audition for the etv soapie’s open casting call.

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“By the grace of God I got the part and I didn’t have any acting experience. I saw that it was an open audition, meaning I could audition in the comfort of my own home, which was less pressure for me. I just switched on the camera and recorded,” Shozi recalls.

“I had the confidence that I could nail it. I understood the creative qualities that I possess. My experience on set was fun, I got to act with and learn from people that I had been watching on TV.”

Born in Port Shepstone, in KwaZulu-Natal, Shozi also has a radio show on Durban-based Gagasi FM. She holds it down on The Flame at Night with Nomalanga airing from Monday to Thursday between 10pm and 1am.

She looks up to her father Smanga Shozi, an actor and playwright.

“I want to do more acting. I’m doing auditions and I feel like the world is really my oyster right now. There is a lot that a person can do in this industry and I believe a person shouldn’t define themselves as one thing, which is why I’m trying my hand at anything. I don’t want to be a one-trick pony,” Shozi says.